Tonganoxie High Science Olympiad team state champs in small-school division

The Tonganoxie Science Olympiad team continues to be a powerhouse in the state.

It also was 3 measly points from showcasing that talent nationally.

THS was crowned the small-school division champion at state Saturday on the Wichita State University campus.

It also was just 3 points behind Olathe North, the overall winner at state. Because ONHS won the overall top spot, it was invited to nationals.

“Our kids did so well, but it was hard not to be a little sad that we missed first in the state,” said first-year coach Kirsten Rhoads. “We were so close. The kids knew we almost had it, even without being told the point difference.”

There were only three schools that scored in the 100s (low score wins): Olathe North at 108, Tonganoxie at 111 and Manhattan at 118. St. James Academy from Lenexa scored 166. Goodland, which scored 273, was second place in Tonganoxie’s small-school division.

Comments

I want to congratulate the THS Science Olympiad team on such an outstanding performance at State. I am one of the coaches who was quoted above. However, I need to make a few things clear. I was never contacted directly for a quote for this article and I did not give permission for any statements made in private emails to be used in this article.

I am extremely proud of our kids. They exceeded all expectations and showed the results that can be achieved with hard work and excitement about competition. It is unfortunate that the statement attributed to me in the above article was taken out of context in a private email that was discussing concerns about students who were disappointed with their performances. None of the coaches were disappointed in how our kids performed in any of the events. They gave it their all and we are beyond words with being proud.

The team was headed by strong student leadership in the senior captains. They did a fabulous job in keeping everyone on track and making sure that all events had quality preparation.